Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/213549
5 TIPS TO LANDING THAT GREAT JOB STORY BY LAUREN FRIESE When hunting for your first job, focus on showcasing your potential Finding a job is tough work, especially when you can't figure out exactly what employers want. Although not every employer is looking for the same thing from candidates, there is one surefire way to get noticed: Submit a stellar application. For entry-level jobs, it's less about what you've already done and more about how the experiences you've had to date signal your potential for success in the future. Your education and experience might be varied, so it's up to you to connect the dots for employers in your resumé and cover letter and prove you're the best person for the job. 1 TIP KNOW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT THE EMPLOYER Showing you've done your research is a sign of respect that can go a long way. Read whatever you can possibly find about the employer, including what it does, who its customers are and the latest news about the organization by browsing its website and following its social media accounts. You can even go a step further and read up on the industry as a whole. This information will help tailor your application and knock their socks off during the interview. 2 TIP DISCUSS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, NOT ACTIONS One of the most common mistakes young jobseekers make is listing tasks on their resumé instead of accomplishments. Employers can probably make an educated guess about what you did as a sales associate at a clothing store or an events co-ordinator for a student group, so use the space on your resumé to tell them something they don't already know. For example, specify how much store sales increased while you worked there or how many more students attended your group's events this year compared with last year. Whenever possible, use numbers such as dollars or percentages to measure accomplishments. canadian hr profession 16 hrreporter.com HRP.indd 16 12-03-26 11:26 AM